Craving a rich, creamy, and soul-warming meal? This Smothered Chicken and Rice is juicy, tender, and drenched in a flavorful homemade gravy—the perfect comfort food for any night of the week.
✅ One-skillet meal for easy cleanup
✅ Creamy, restaurant-style gravy
✅ Perfect for meal prep – tastes even better the next day
✅ Pairs well with cornbread, mashed potatoes, or veggies
📌 Save this recipe for a stress-free, delicious dinner!
📜 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Smothered Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- 2 tbsp butter
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, chopped
🔥 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken
- In a shallow dish, mix flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Dredge the chicken breasts in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess.
2. Sear the Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Gravy
- In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, milk (or heavy cream), Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and cayenne pepper.
- Stir to combine, scraping up any flavorful bits from the pan.
4. Simmer the Chicken
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet, cover, and let simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes until tender and cooked through.
5. Cook the Rice
- In a separate saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
- Add rice and butter, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until fully cooked.
- Fluff with a fork.
6. Assemble & Serve
- Serve the smothered chicken over the cooked rice.
- Spoon extra gravy on top and garnish with chopped green onions.
🍽️ Enjoy this creamy, comforting dish with your favorite sides! 😋✨
⭐ Pro Tips for the Best Smothered Chicken
✔️ Use heavy cream for an extra-rich, silky gravy.
✔️ For a spicy kick, add extra cayenne or a dash of hot sauce.
✔️ Want a deeper flavor? Sear the chicken in bacon fat instead of oil.
✔️ Substitutions: Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! This dish tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead?
Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook (about 40 minutes), so adjust accordingly.
What’s the Best Side Dish for Smothered Chicken?
Try it with buttery cornbread, roasted veggies, or a crisp side salad.
🍴 Final Thoughts: A Must-Try Comfort Food Classic
This Smothered Chicken and Rice is creamy, rich, and full of comforting flavors. Whether you’re craving southern-style home cooking or just need a quick, satisfying dinner, this one-pan meal is a game-changer.
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